USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 2
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Resolved, That the members of this lodge will meet at the lodge- room on the morrow at one o'clock, and proceed therefrom to the house of their deceased brother, James Edgar, long a member, and one of the founders of the Lodge, and attend the funeral, and pay him Masonic honors; and that the members of Louisiana Lodge No. 109 at St. Gene- vieve be invited to attend at Kaskaskia at three o'clock on tomorrow evening, and that a special messenger be engaged by the treasurer to carry the notice and information to the Louisiana Lodge in such way as the Worshipful Master may direct.
Ten members and five visitors from St. Genevieve attended the funeral.
Michael Jones was initiated June 24, 1793 in Lodge No. 45 at Pitts- burg. He came to Kaskaskia in 1804 as Commissioner and Register of the Land Office. He acted as Junior Warden at the institution of the lodge and was elected first Senior Warden and second Master of the lodge. He served a total of eight terms as Master; these were for six months each.
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Western Star Lodge
February 7, 1818 the lodge record reads:
Bro. Jones on his way to the Eastern States [was authorized to pro- cure jewels for the lodge, and was particularly exhorted, in the discharge of his duty,] to have regard to the funds of the Lodge.
March 6, 1819: Bro. Michael Jones was allowed fifty dollars for a set of jewels and a carpet.
That year he removed to Shawneetown and on October 2, 1819
The lodge passed resolutions of regret at losing so old and active a member as Bro. Jones, and appointed a committee to prepare an address to Bro. Jones setting forth this feeling.
June 23, 1820 he delivered the oration at the installation of officers. Several other times he delivered the "Annual Oration." In 1810 he was appointed Colonel of the land militia of Randolph County. He died November 26, 1822.
Robert Robinson was a member of Staunton Lodge No. 13 at Staunton, Virginia. He received the degree of Entered Apprentice on January 4, 1803; Fellowcraft on January 22, 1803; Master Mason on February 9, 1803. He was in Kaskaskia in 1805 and was clerk in the office of the Commissioner and Registrar of the land office. The peti- tion for the charter asked that Brother Robinson be appointed to constitute the lodge.
We do certify that Bro. Robinson has proved himself to us, a W.M. of a warranted lodge of Ancient Y. M.
Jas. Edgar Jas. Gilbreath.
The charter was accompanied by the following letter:
WE, James Milnor, R.W. Grand Master of Masons in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto belonging:
To Bro. Robt. Robinson, a Past Master Mason-Greeting:
Reposing the greatest confidence in your zeal, fervor, and constancy in the Craft, We do, by virtue of the Powers and Authorities in Us vested, hereby authorize and empower you to call to your assistance a sufficient number of known and approved Masons to open and con- stitute a new Lodge at Kaskaskia, in the Indiana Territory, in the U.S., and there to proceed to the installation of our worthy Bro. James Edgar, Master-elect, and other officers of a new Lodge there to be established and constituted, to be called the "Western Star Lodge" number one hundred and seven, according to the most ancient and honorable custom of the Royal Craft in all ages and amongst all nations throughout the
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Freemasonry in Illinois
known world, and not contrarywise, and make report to US hereon endorsed of your proceedings. This dispensation to remain in force three months from the date thereof.
[SEAL]
Given under our hand and the seal of the R.W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, at the city of Philadelphia, this 18th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1806, and of Masonry 5806. James Milnor, Grand Master attest Geo. A. Baker, Grand Secretary.
On the back of the commission of Brother Robinson was written:
Agreeably to the within Dispensation to me directed to open and constitute a new Lodge of Ancient York Masons, at Kaskaskia, and to in- stall the W. Master, Brother James Edgar, and other, the officers thereof, on the 13th day of September, 1806, I took to my assistance a sufficient number of known and approved Past Master Masons, and proceeded to open and constitute a new Lodge under the warrant of the R.W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, bearing date of the second day of June, 1806, to the brethren here granted.
Whereupon the W. Master, Brother James Edgar, and the other officers of this Lodge in the said warrant mentioned, were duly installed and invested with the ensigns of their respective offices, and the Lodge closed in due form.
Robert Robinson,
Appointed to constitute Lodge No. 107
Kaskaskia, October 20th, 1806
Brother Robinson was Master of Western Star Lodge from June 24, 1808 to December 27, 1808.
October 16th, 1811:
The Lodge was called for the purpose of attending the funeral of Bro. Robert Robinson, deceased - When a M. Mason's lodge was opened in ample form, and proceeded to the place of interment, and after the usual solemnities returned and closed in harmony.
This was the first Masonic funeral in Illinois.
James Gilbreath is listed in the return of Western Star Lodge for 1806 as a Past Master. He was a member of Lodge No. 79 at Cham- bersburg, Pennsylvania. The records of Western Star Lodge show him installed as Master, December 27, 1808 and again June 24, 1809. He was sheriff of Randolph County 1805-09.
May 7, 1812: Bro. Gilbreath stated his reasons for not attending the meetings of the Lodge, which were deemed reasonable, and he granted a dimit.
August 15, 1815: [Jas. Gilbreath was summoned] to appear in open
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Western Star Lodge
lodge - [reason not stated. The record continues] that having gone through the business before them [the Lodge was closed.]
September 1, 1815: [The charges against James Gilbreath] were taken as confessed, he not having appeared or made any defense [and he was accordingly] unanimously expelled by a unanimous vote.
Rufus Easton never lived in Kaskaskia. He was a member of Roman Lodge No. 82, New York. He was the first Senior Warden of Western Star Lodge - was one of a committee to selcet a name for the lodge. Living in St. Louis it was not convenient for him to attend the lodge meetings. August 2, 1808 he signed the application for St. Louis Lodge No. 111. From that date his connection with Western Star ended.
Easton was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, May 4, 1774, studied law under Ephraim Kirby, first General Grand High Priest, and was admitted to the bar in Litchfield but soon after moved to western New York. Here he gained recognition as a lawyer and politician. He spent the winter of 1803-4 in Washington, D.C. He then came to St. Louis and was one of the first judges in Louisiana Territory. Dur- ing the same year he was appointed postmaster at St. Louis and served ten years. He had to rent his own office and the government allowed him two dollars to purchase furniture for the office. He was a terri- torial delegate to Congress 1814-16 and was the second Attorney General of the State of Missouri. He became wealthy but lost most of his property through speculation. He retired to St. Charles where he died July 5, 1834.
The Beginning
St. John's Day, Philadelphia, Monday 25th June (St. John's Day having fallen on Sunday, 24 inst.) A.D., 1804.
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Grand General Communication.
A letter from Brother James Edgar, dated Kaskaskia, 7th May last, directed to James or Thomas Wilkins, was read. Brother Edgar thereby intimated a desire of obtaining a Dispensation for holding a Lodge in Kaskaskia, until a society should be formed, when application might be made for a warrant. Ordered, To lie over for consideration until the next Quarterly Communication.
October 15th 1804: The letter from Brother James Edgar respect- ing a Dispensation for holding a lodge at Kaskaskia, read on St. John's Day last, and ordered to lie over for consideration, was again read and referred to the R.W. Grand Master to take such measures thereon as he may deem most expedient.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Petition for the Dispensation for the Western Star Lodge No. 107
To the Grand Master and members of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania - Bretheren:
The subscribers and many others of our Bretheren in the counties of St. Clair and Randolph, beg leave to approach your Worshipful body and state to you; that they are far removed from those social enjoyments which they once as Masons have experienced; that from the growth of population many worthy and respectable brethren have settled, and many more will soon come to this country; and that your suppliants, from a sense of duty incumbent on them as Masons and as men, to promote their mutual happiness, the happiness of their neighbours, and as far as in their power lies, harmonize society - and furthermore to impress on their memory what has long been written on their hearts.
Wherefore your supplients thus presume to approach your worship- ful body and request that, if in your councils you think it expedient, your worshipful body will grant to your supplients a Warrant or if that can't be obtained a Dispensation authorizing them to hold a regular Lodge in the town of Kaskaskia, appointing such of your supplients to preside therein as may seem proper to your Worshipful body, sending with the said warrant - your constitution, all other necessary instructions and the amount of the expenses attending the same which will be duly remitted by your supplients, etc., etc.
Rob' M'Mahon, Staunton No. 13
William Arundel, St. Andrews Lodge No. 2, Quebec
James Edgar, No. 9, Philadelphia
Mich1 Jones, No. 45, Pittsburg Jas Gilbreath, No. 79, Chambersburg
Rufus Easton, Roman Lodge No. 82, New York
Robert Robinson, Staunton No. 13
Indiana Territory, Kaskaskia, March 9th, 1805.
The Dispensation
We, Israel Israel, Esquire, Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto belonging:
To all Free and Accepted Masons wherever dispersed .-
Reposing the greatest Confidence in the Zeal, Fervor and Constancy in the Craft of our Worthy and beloved Brother James Edgar, a Past Master Ancient York Mason, residing at Kaskaskia in the Indiana Territory in the United States And by Virtue of the Powers and authorities Vested in US, WE DO hereby Authorize and Empower and Request him to call to his Assistance a sufficient number of known and Approved Master Masons to open a Lodge at the Town of Kaskaskia aforesaid and then and there Initiate, Pass, and Raise Free Masons according to the most Ancient and Honourable Custom of the Craft in all Ages and Nations
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Western Star Lodge
throughout the Known World, and not contrarywise and to make Report to US hereon endorsed of their proceedings. This Dispensation to remain in force SIX Months from the date hereof and no longer.
Given under Our Hand and The Seal of our Grand Lodge at the City of Philadelphia this Twenty-Fourth Day of September in the Year of our LORD 1805 and in the Year of Masonry 5805.
[SEAL] Israel Israel, Grand Master.
attest George A. Baker Grand Secretary.
Organization of the Lodge
Indiana Territory, Randolph County, Kaskaskia, Saturday, 14th December, 1805, A.L. 5805.
In compliance with petition from sundry members addressed to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, a dispensation was forwarded by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 24th September, directed to Brother James Edgar, authorizing him to take to his assistance a sufficient number of members for the purpose of holding a Lodge in the town of Kaskaskia and vicinity, and initiate such as may be approved by the members thereof into the mysteries of Masonry, according to the Most Ancient and Honorable Custom of the Craft.
Upon which the Worshipful Master, the said James Edgar, called to his assistance Bros. Rufus Easton as Senior Warden, Michael Jones as Junior Warden, Robert Robinson as Senior Deacon, Alexander Anderson as Junior Deacon, and William Arundel as Secretary, all of whom he found on due trial to be Master Masons.
Whereupon, the Worshipful Master, and others above named, took their seats, and an Entered Apprentice's Lodge was opened in due form. On motion,
Ordered, That the naming of the Lodge be submitted to Bros. M. Jones and Rufus Easton, whereupon it was agreed that this Lodge be styled and known by the name of 'Western Star Lodge,' Kaskaskia.
On motion and seconded,
Ordered, That a subscription be opened for the purpose of raising a sum sufficient to enable the brethren to obtain a warrant and dispensation to institute a Lodge of Ancient York Masons at Kaskaskia, to be styled the Western Star Lodge. The sums that may be subscribed by the breth- ren to be placed to their respective accounts on the credit side of the same, and the Lodge to be debtor, which sums so subscribed to be dis- charged in due proportion out of the first moneys that may be paid into the treasury from initiation fees or otherwise. The said subscription to be presented in open Lodge only, and to none except such as now are or may become members of this Lodge.
On motion,
Requested, That Bros. M. Jones and R. Robinson be a committee to pre- pare rules or regulations for the government of this Lodge, and to report the same from time to time for the approbation thereof.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Whereupon, the Lodge closed in harmony, until the first Saturday in January next, unless otherwise found necessary by the Worshipful Master.
The first petitions were received January 4, 1806. They were from Andrew Henry, Walter Fenwick and George Bullett, all residents of St. Genevieve, Louisiana Territory. By-laws were adopted January 16, 1806. A more complete set of by-laws was adopted on June 24, 1808. These had twenty-six sections. First came a condensed copy of the Ancient Charges. The first section provided that meetings should be held from seven to ten p.m. March 25 to September 25 and from six to nine from September 25 to March 25. Elective officers were the master, wardens and treasurer and, with the consent of the lodge, the master may appoint two deacons, a secretary and steward; "if any shall refuse to serve he shall pay one dollar, unless he had served in a similar office before."
Section 8 provided that
a brother may call for the previous question, and the question put, if the motion is seconded and thirded.
Section 10 provided that
No brother shall rise to speak or interrupt another addressing the Master, unless to call to order; or if any shall mock, deride or endeavor to ridicule any brother whilst speaking, or while the Lodge is sitting, he shall, on conviction by a majority of the members present, forfeit and pay for the first offense five dollars, and ask pardon of the Lodge and of the offended brother; for the second offense he shall forfeit and pay ten dollars, and ask pardon of the Lodge and the offended brother; for the third offense he shall forfeit and pay fifteen dollars, and ask pardon of the Lodge and the offended brother, and for the fourth offense shall be expelled, and not re-admitted without the unanimous consent of the Lodge, to be given either by ballot or otherwise, as the Lodge shall de- termine, and shall pay twenty dollars to the charity fund.
Section 12 provided that
a brother cursing or swearing, or holding an angry dispute, shall be subject to the same penalties as prescribed in section 10.
This section governed conduct outside of the lodge and in public as well as in the lodge room.
Section 14 provided that
any brother revealing any of the transactions of the Lodge, shall be fined fifteen dollars, or be expelled, and if expelled, should not be re- admitted at all.
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Western Star Lodge
Section 15 provided that a Tyler shall be appointed and if absent, the youngest brother present shall act and shall be fined five dollars for refusal except for good reasons.
Section 17 fixed the annual dues at $1.84 of which one dollar went to the Charity Fund and eighty-four cents to the Grand Lodge.
Section 18 provided that every brother and visitor to pay twenty- five cents for refreshments; and every absent brother was liable for the same charge.
Section 20 provided fees for affiliation: four dollars for Master Masons; eight for Fellowcrafts and ten for Entered Apprentices. The latter fees probably paid for remaining degrees.
Section 21 provided that every initiate pay eight dollars to the charity fund, eight dollars to the contingent fund, one dollar to the Secretary and one dollar to the Tyler.
Section 26 provided for trial procedure and penalties.
Eighty-four names were signed to these by-laws.
So many petitions were received that special meetings were held; these were called "Extra Lodge."
Petition for Charter
Kaskaskia, April 13, 1806. To the R.W. Grand Master and brethren of the R.W. Grand Lodge of Pa.
Brethren - We the subscribers, members of a Lodge holden at Kas- kaskia under a dispensation granted by order of your worshipful body, in pursuance of our former petition, beg to solicit a fulfillment of your promise contained in your letter accompanied by your said dispensation, directed to Brother James Edgar, of granting a warrant and dispensation to constitute a Lodge at Kaskaskia, to be styled the Western Star Lodge. Brothers James Edgar, Michael Jones and James Gilbreath, M.M. and formerly members of Lodges constituted under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (as will more fully appear by a reference to the communications made to your worshipful body, by the several Lodges of which they have been members) have been elected officers of this Lodge, for the time being, to whom the warrant may issue. Assur- ances having been given by Bro. James Edgar, that Bro. Robert Robinson has regularly passed the chair, we do therefore desire that the dispensa- tion for constituting the Lodge may be directed to him. Your dispensation with our proceedings endorsed thereon, as also the amount of your fees, you will find herewith enclosed.
We are R.W. Sir and Brethren, yours fraternally,
Jas. Edgar, W.M. Michael Jones, S.W. Jas Gilbreath, J.W. Robt. Robinson, Treasurer. Wm Arundel, Secretary.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Accompanying this was the following:
We the subscribers, formerly members of lodges constituted under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and present members of Western Star Lodge at Kaskaskia, do recommend the prayer of the foregoing petition to the consideration of the W.M. and members of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Jas Edgar, Michael Jones Jas. Gilbreath.
Recommended by
Andrew Nilson P.M. No. 9 John Boyd P.M. No. 2 Jas. Wilkins P.M. No. 9
John Boyd was Senior Warden of No. 2 in 1796 and probably Worshipful Master the next year. Andrew Nilson was Worshipful Master of No. 9 from 1797 to June 1801 and resigned on July 3, 1807. James Wilkins was Past Master of No. 9, was admitted January 4, 1784; died September, 1819.
The following action was taken by the Grand Lodge on June 3, 1806:
The return of a dispensation granted by the late R.W. Grand Master on the 24th of September last, directed to Bro. James Edgar, authorizing him to open and hold a Lodge at Kaskaskia, in the Indiana Territory, in the United States, for the term of six months from the date of said dis- pensation, was read; also, a letter from Bro. Edgar, dated 14th April last, respecting their proceedings under said dispensation, and also a petition from Bro. Edgar and several other brethren who had been members of said Lodge held under the aforesaid dispensation, praying for a warrant for holding a Lodge at Kaskaskia aforesaid, to be called the Western Star Lodge, and that Bro. James Edgar might be named Master, Bro. Michael Jones, Senior Warden and Bro. James Gilbreath, Junior Warden of the same.
Which petition being duly recommended according to the regula- tions of this Grand Lodge, on motion made and seconded,
Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and that the Grand Secretary make out a warrant accordingly, and the same be num- bered 107.
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Western Star Lodge
The Charter
James Milnor, Grand Master
Fred J. Walbert, Deputy Grand Master
Robert Lewis, Senior Grand Warden Robert Poalk, Junior Grand Warden
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdiction There- unto Belonging in Ample Form assembled at
Philadelphia in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Wisdom Strength Fraternity
KNOW YE, that WE the said GRAND LODGE of the most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons ( according to the Old Constitutions, revived by his Royal Highness Prince Edwin, at York, in the Kingdom of England, in the Year of the Christian Aera Nine Hundred Twenty and Six, and in the Year of Masonry Four Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty and Six) by virtue of the Powers and Authorities vested in US, DO hereby constitute and appoint our trusty and well be- loved Brothren James Edgar Master, Michael Jones
Senior Warden and James Galbraith,
Junior Warden of a Lodge
to be called "The Western Star Lodge" Number One Hundred and Seven to be held at Kaskaskia in the Indiana Territory in the United States - or within Five Miles of the same. AND WE DO FUR- THER authorize and impower our said trusty and well beloved Brethren James Edgar, Michael Jones and James Galbraith -- to admit and make Free Masons according to the Most Ancient and Honorable Custom of the Royal Craft in all Ages and Nations throughout the known World and not contrarywise. AND WE DO FURTHER impower and appoint the said James Edgar, Michael Jones and James Galbraith -- and their Successors to hear all and singular matters and things relating to the Craft within the Jurisdiction of the said Lodge with the assistance of the Members of said Lodge. AND LASTLY, WE DO hereby author- ize and impower our said trusty and well beloved Brethren James Edgar, Michael Jones and James Galbraith -to instal their Successors, being first duly elected and chosen, to whom they shall deliver this Warrant, and to invest them with all the Powers and Dignities to their Offices respectively belonging, and such Successors shall in like manner, from time to time, instal their Successors &c, &c &c. Such installation to be upon or near ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST' DAY during the continu- ance of this Lodge for ever. PROVIDED ALWAYS that the said above named Brethren, and their Successors, pay due respect to this RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE and the Ordinances thereof, other- wise this Warrant to be of no Force or Effect.
Given in open GRAND LODGE under the hands of our Right Worshipful Grand Officers and the Seal of our Grand Lodge,
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Freemasonry in Illinois
[SEAL] at Philadelphia this Second - Day of June ----- A.C. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Six and of Masonry Five Thou- sand Eight Hundred and Six.
Attest
George A. Baker, Grand Secretary Tho-s Armstrong, Grand Treasurer
With the charter was a letter to Robert Robinson authorizing him to constitute the lodge. The letter is given as part of Brother Robin- son's sketch. He took to his assistance James Gilbreath as Senior War- den and William Arundel as Junior Warden and opened a Past Master's Lodge and installed James Edgar as Master. The Past Master's Lodge was then closed and a Master Mason's Lodge opened. Brother Edgar installed the remaining officers and the lodge closed. The constituting ceremony was carried out on September 13, 1806. On October 4 there was a notable visitor who was to have much to do with the pros- perity of the lodge and Masonry in Illinois. The record reads:
Shadrach Bond Jr. of Temple Lodge No. 26 Reisters Town, Balti- more Co. Maryland.
That night he petitioned for affiliation and was elected to member- ship.
December 27, 1806: At the first election under the charter Andrew Henry was elected Junior Warden and George Bullitt appointed Junior Deacon. They were both residents of St. Genevieve, and two of the first petitioners. The same night the petition of several Masons in St. Genevieve for a dispensation to organize a lodge was recommended. The officers named in the petition were Dr. A. Elliot, Master; Andrew Henry, Senior Warden; George Bullitt, Junior Warden. Western Star Lodge lost four members and two Entered Apprentices. The reply of Western Star Lodge to this application was:
At a meeting of the Western Star Lodge held at Kaskaskia in the Terri- tory of Indiana, on St. John's Day, the 27th December A.L. 1806, James Edgar, Worshipful Master, in the chair.
A petition having been presented to this Lodge signed by a number of ancient York Masons (to us known as such) residing at St. Genevieve and its vicinity in the territory of Louisiana together with some members of this Lodge, praying this Lodge to recommend to the Right Worship- ful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Brother Doctor Aaron Elliot as Wor- shipful Master, Brother Andrew Henry, as Senior Warden, and Brother George Bullitt as Junior Warden, of a lodge to be constituted in the Town of St. Genevieve in the Territory aforesaid, to be called the "Louisiana Lodge" - This lodge having had said petition under consid- eration Do hereby recommend the said Aaron Elliot, Andrew Henry and
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